Nursing Students' Beliefs and Willingness to Implement Evidence-Based Nursing Practice at Umm Al-Qura University: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background It is essential to provide evidence-based practice (EBP) courses for undergraduate nursing students. For this reason, students' beliefs and intentions to implement EBP should be measured to ensure that EBP courses are effective. Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate Saudi nursing students' EBP beliefs (EBPB) and implementation before they enroll in an EBP course. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Two scales were used: the EBPB scale and the EBP implementation (EBPI) scale. The questionnaire was available for completion a single time before the second-year nursing students were introduced to the EBP course. Results The study revealed that the mean age for students is 20 ± 0.83. Nearly two-thirds (61.54%) of students are female. It can be noted that 71.5% have not attended any EBP programs. Additionally, 65.38% of students understand the concept of EBP, and 68.46% are willing to apply EBP nursing care. Therefore, there is a positive correlation between the EBPB scale variable and the EBPI scale. Conclusion This study highlights the positive attitude of undergraduate nursing students toward EBP. Nursing education programs must place more emphasis on integrating EBP curricula into their teaching strategies, with a focus on developing students' knowledge, skills, and values in EBP.